“I used to work in an office, and I miss the excitement. I miss the excitement of waking up every day, I didn’t know if I was going to file something, or type something, or file something I just typed!”—Maria Bamford at Just for Laughs

9.6: Paula Poundstone

“I’m kind of excited because I’m a million dollars in debt. Now, that’s not the exciting part, but it does feel good just to say it. I’ll tell ya something about being a million dollars in debt: Once you hit a million, it feels kinda good. I mean, if I were a hundred thousand dollars in debt, I’d be working my ass off right now, because I’d have a shot at paying it back. But once you’re a million dollars in debt, it’s just like, well, who’s kidding who here? Does anybody that loans to me really expect to get it back? The kids’ll say to me, ‘Can we go to DisneyLand?’ I say, ‘I don’t see why not.’”—Paula Poundstone on Look What the Cat Dragged In

Indulge in culinary creations from more than 20 of Del Mar’s best restaurants while rocking out to live music and wetting your whistle at 10 in-store sip stops located in-between the featured eateries. — Michael Benninger

9.7: Third annual Play on the Bay

Support local education while enjoying spectacular food, drinks and live music during this unforgettable evening on the waterfront, benefiting DonorsChoose.org, a nonprofit that helps teachers obtain supplies to help their classrooms succeed. — Michael Benninger

9.7: First Friday Night Market

9.7-9: Affion Crockett

“I’ll be the first to say it: Hollywood can be a little bit racist. Just a little bit. Case in point: We’ve had about five Batmans. Not one black actor has played Batman. Keep in mind, Batman is a black bat. We can’t get a brother to play a ni**a bat? Are you serious? Are you serious? Is that we doing? C’mon, man. Even when they put the mask on, they blackface the eyes. Christian Bale has black makeup on his eyes. Don Cheadle wouldn’t need that. We can’t get Idris Elba up in there or something? Terry Crews wouldn’t even need a suit. Just put some pointy ears on him, let him dance his naked ass around Gotham City.”— Affion Crockett on Just for Laughs

9.8: South Bay Pride

Celebrate love, equality and South Bay enthusiasm at this free event highlighting live bands, DJs and dancing along with artisans, adult beverages and an array of beachy activities. — Michael Benninger

9.8: Ray at Night in North Park

Stroll Ray Street and find art by local- and nationally-known artists on display along the street and among the 15 galleries and businesses in the area. This month marks the 17 years in existence for the monthly event, which will introduce a beer garden complete with karaoke on the street.

9.8: 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Raising awareness for the sacrifices made by firefighters and their families, this 110-story climb commemorates the 403 emergency responders who lost their lives 17 years ago on Sept. 11. — Michael Benninger

9.8: Epic Obstacle Course

Forget about mud and long distances on this unorthodox obstacle course that challenges locals to compete in one of three races, ranging from the relatively easy to the absurdly difficult. — Michael Benninger

9.8: Third annual Reader Burgers & Beer

Cast a vote for your preferred patty at this battle of the burgers that includes offerings from 20 of the city’s highest-rated restaurants alongside beer samples from more than three dozen of SD’s best breweries. — Michael Benninger

9.8: Barrio Art Crawl

The Logan Avenue Consortium along with Barrio Logan Association present this free event and self-guided art tour that includes murals, open studios, galleries and local businesses throughout the neighborhood.

9.9: 10 Perfect Bites

This exciting new culinary event celebrates San Diego’s multifaceted food scene with a 10-course tasting menu ranging from light appetizers to decadent desserts, all curated by some of the city’s most creative chefs. — Michael Benninger

After graduating from San Diego State in 2005, Leslie Hackett started working for The San Diego Union-Tribune as a newsroom page designer. Since then she has moved through different positions at the company, including Content and Product Manager in advertising, Editor of DiscoverSD.com and now works on both the print and website products for PACIFIC magazine as Editor-in-Chief and Digital Director.